Highlights from Google’s Pixel event: Chromecast Ultra, Daydream view VR headsets and more

Pixel ‘by Google’ was undoubtedly the start attraction at the yesterday’s San Francisco event but there was indeed a huge catalogue that tech giant presented to the world after the Pixel smartphones. From Chromecast Ultra to new WiFi routers to Daydream view VR headset, Pichai’s team had something on offer for everyone.

Chromecast Ultra

Starting with the new Chromecast Ultra- a 4K version of its very popular streaming device. The Chromecast Ultra will be able to stream 4K content from YouTube, Netflix, and Vudu at launch, with films from Google Play Movies gaining support in November. HDR content — both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats — is also supported by the Ultra.

Even if your television isn’t 4K compatible, the Chromecast Ultra will automatically optimize the picture quality for best experience. In addition, there are certain improvements on the connectivity front too, and this has made the device about 1.8 times faster than the previous model.

Google has also included an Ethernet port on the power adapter for users whose Wi-Fi connections may not be able to handle 4K streams.

The device has been priced at $69 — exactly double the Chromecast Plus — and will be available for sale in Novemeber of this year.

Google WiFi

Next in line are the multi-point routers dubbed Google WiFi which are on the same grounds as Eero launched earlier this year.

The concept is simple- multiple routers at a particular place, so that the system automatically connects you to the nearest router — ensuring the best possible speeds always. With an app to control all routers, it cannot be simple than this.

The device also supports AC1200 wireless speeds, along with simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

You can purchase the system as a single unit or in a three-pack to cater to larger living spaces. While a single unit will require you to shell out $129, a three pack will come around at $299.

Google Home

The Google Home device that was announced at the Google I/O earlier this year is the company’s answer to the Alexa powered, Amazon Echo and its $50 cheaper.

With Google Assistant that packs best in class voice recognition, you can give commands from all the way across a noisy room, says Google. You can ask it to play whatever you like for whatever duration you want.

You can also choose your default music provider from amongst Spotify, YouTube and Google Music and Home will know where to start streaming from, the next time you ask it for some music.

The company has also partnered up with a bunch of manufacturers, such as Nest, Phillips, Samsung and IFTTT, and will also integrate support for their smart home devices through its Google Home, as well.

Daydream VR system

Like it or not, VR is here to stay or better we say, tech companies are ensuring that they stay. “We didn’t just look at the specs; we obsessed over the details of this design. We wanted something thats comfortable, and that you can make your own.,” is how Google describes its new VR headset titled Daydream View.

The new headsets use soft microfibers and deploy a fabric design to make the wearing experience as comfortable as possible at 30 percent less heavy than similar devices.

With minimalistic design, the headset promises to deliver top notch VR experiences. Google has also come up with a nifty looking storage slot inside the headset that can be used to place the controller in.
More than 50 Daydream apps are supposed to be released this year, with "hundreds" more coming after that. Google already listed several developers at its I/O event in May, but it's given some new, specific projects to look out for. That includes Gunjack 2, a sequel to EVE Online developer CCP's turret shooter for the Gear VR.

Google will also have a VR version of Street View that includes "tours" of 150 global landmarks, like the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids in Egypt, along with the ability to see any location in 360-degree VR.

Daydream will run on compatible Android phones, including the new Pixel and Pixel XL, along with Google's new VR headset the Daydream View. Users will also need Google’s headset and controller. The platform and hardware is set to launch in November for $79.